While every entrepreneur, especially in the technology space, is unique and each story is different, there is a common factor that unites them – they take risks, follow their dreams and pursue their passions.

Steven Cohen, head of Sage One International for Africa, Australia, Middle East and Asia, said that “taking action” is one of the critical steps to stand out as a small business owner, even in harsh economic climate.

Cohen said, “There’s a reason the term ‘wantrepreneur’ has come to describe so many people – action and execution are much harder than talk. Success is the result of your actions. It’s not always laziness that impedes action, sometimes over-thinking things, doubting yourself, or striving for ‘perfect’ can prevent us from getting on with things. It’s key to find a balance between planning and execution, in any line of business. Secondly, believe that you can do it – and you will”.

At the 702 Small Business Awards with Sage One ceremony, Tshepo Phakathi, CEO of Phakathi Holdings said, “Success is not aptitudinal, it is attitudinal”.

Nodding in agreement, Cohen said, “I agree with that statement – emotions dictate our decisions and how we respond to failure and challenges. Sometimes emotions are at the heart of our success, or failure. While the idea of ‘believing in yourself’ has become clichéd, it’s for good reason – the most successful people in business are not necessarily the smartest, but they are good at maintaining a positive attitude and an unwavering belief in their ability to be successful.

“Thirdly, hire good people. The first employees you hire will set the pace for your business’s growth and lay the groundwork for your company’s culture.